Quitting smoking often tops New Year’s resolutions

Published: Friday, December 28, 2012 at 11:42 PM.

Editor’s note: This is the first of six stories on New Year’s resolutions.

PANAMA CITY — With New Year’s Day around the corner, many people are making a list of things they want to change in the new year.

Lisa Rahn, Healthy Bay coordinator for the Bay County Health Department, said she has seen many lists with the same item, cigarettes.

“Enrollment in tobacco cessation classes is usually very good in January,” Rahn said. “Most people who smoke want to quit, so New Year's resolutions frequently include quitting smoking.”

The reasons for the decision isn’t always health.

“Some of the most common reasons people give for wanting to quit smoking are health concerns, the desire to save money and wanting to set a good example for their children or grandchildren,” Rahn said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 45.3 million adults in the United States smoke cigarettes, with cigarette smoking the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S.

Editor’s note: This is the first of six stories on New Year’s resolutions.

PANAMA CITY — With New Year’s Day around the corner, many people are making a list of things they want to change in the new year.

Lisa Rahn, Healthy Bay coordinator for the Bay County Health Department, said she has seen many lists with the same item, cigarettes.

“Enrollment in tobacco cessation classes is usually very good in January,” Rahn said. “Most people who smoke want to quit, so New Year's resolutions frequently include quitting smoking.”

The reasons for the decision isn’t always health.

“Some of the most common reasons people give for wanting to quit smoking are health concerns, the desire to save money and wanting to set a good example for their children or grandchildren,” Rahn said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 45.3 million adults in the United States smoke cigarettes, with cigarette smoking the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S.

Though many people want to quit, Rahn said it’s not always easy.

“Some people are successful the first time, but most are not; they’re having to overcome a physical, psychological and, for some, cultural addiction,” Rahn said. “It may be harder than they realize.”

It may take four to 11 times to completely quit smoking, but she said there are ways to increase your chances of success.

“People smoke for different reasons; it’s important to understand why you smoke and to think in advance about how to deal with your triggers,” Rahn said. “Having a quit plan in place can dramatically increase your chance of success, and other tobacco cessation resources are community classes/support groups and the Florida Quitline, both of which provide free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT patches, gum and lozenges). NRT is available over the counter; speak to your doctor about other medications that require a prescription.”

The Florida Department of Health has a Tobacco Free Florida program, including the Quitline, and can be reached at 1-877-U-CAN-NOW, or use their Web-based program at www.quitnow.net/florida. For more information, visit www.tobaccofreeflorida.com.